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Sunday, February 18, 2018

Creativity for Well-Being 3 - Draw Closer To The Lord Through Creativity

Created in the image of The Creator, we are all creative, and indulging our creative passions increases our sense of well-being. Each Sunday this month, I’ll be sharing ideas and inspiration for using your creativity to draw closer to the Lord, to dive into the Word, and to live the abundant life. I’ll be using illustrated Bible journaling examples, but keep in mind that these principles apply to all forms of creativity. So, let’s get started!

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DRAW CLOSER TO THE LORD THROUGH CREATIVITY

Do you really paint in your Bible? Isn’t it sacrilegious to
write in the Bible? Why would anyone want to draw and color on the Word of God?

These questions are often posed when someone first sees an
illustrated journaling Bible filled with colorful drawings, letter stickers,
and painted backgrounds. However, when I begin to explain that this form of
creative journaling is actually a way to dive into the Word and draw closer to
the Lord, their initial confusion turns to interest. This hobby is really not
about who can paint the best Lion of Judah or how many different products were
used on a page; this hobby is about finding renewed excitement for reading and
studying God’s Word and applying it to our everyday lives. It’s about using
illustrations and words to help us understand and remember what the scriptures
are saying to us individually.

Isaiah 30:21 says, “And thine ears shall
hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn
to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” It’s easy to skim over this
verse buried in the middle of a chapter addressed to the “rebellious children”
of Israel, however, as I took time to meditate on these words and apply them to
my own life, I realized that my walk would be so much easier if I listened for
the Lord’s voice directing me to the left hand or to the right. I illustrated
this idea in my Bible by tracing around my hands, coloring them in, and adding
a variety of stickers including arrows and letters that say “direct me Lord.”

Taking time to illustrate in the Bible
helps us understand and internalize what the Word is saying to us. It allows us
to spend time with the Lord as we meditate on the scriptures and add in prayers
and journaling. We remember more of what we’ve learned and use our creative
gifts to honor and worship the Lord. It doesn’t matter that my pages aren’t
masterpieces; it matters that I spent time with the Savior and asked Him to
direct me.

Many creative endeavors lend themselves to
this form of worship. Museums are filled with paintings depicting scenes from
the Bible. Many songs have been written to honor and glorify the Lord, share
stories of God’s faithfulness, and to send thanksgiving and praise to our
heavenly Father. Books have been written, poems have been penned, photographs
have been snapped, gardens have been planted, and plays have been performed as
authors, poets, photographers, horticulturists, and actors strive to understand
and interpret how to apply the Word to their everyday lives.

This week, ask yourself – How can you use your creativity to
draw closer to the Lord?

[This is part 3 of a four-part series that I first shared in an Abundant Life/Well-Being Facebook group several months ago.]

1 comment:

I've still not managed to convince myself to draw in my bibles, underlining still feels bad enough. But I just bought myself a devotional colouring book where I can read the devotional, and then think about the verse as I colour.

Hi! I'm Melissa Gross, a dynamic and interactive teacher and speaker called to lead and encourage Christian women in their walk with the Lord. I live, craft, and serve the Lord in the great state of Texas.

I offer classes, workshops and retreats incorporating Bible study, devotionals, illustrated Bible journaling, paper crafting and mixed media projects that merge faith and art to bring God’s Word to life so that we can dive into the Word and draw closer to the Lord! If you're interested in scheduling an event for your small group, women's ministry or church, please EMAIL ME for more information.

Welcome to my website, where I share everyday adventures, Bible Journaling pages, scrapbook layouts, handmade cards, and other crafty projects. Here you can learn more About Me, find a list of My Upcoming Classes & Events, connect with me on YouTube and Pinterest, and check out my progress on the 50 Things To Do Before I'm 50 goals I set a few years ago. I also post photos, ramble about books I'm reading, stuff I'm organizing, our travels, and other FUN bits & pieces of the wonderful life I have with my best friend/husband Robbie!

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